A perfect alternative to the more common (and more crowded) Ghorepani trek is the Khopra Danda trek (also known as the Khopra Ridge trek), bringing you much higher to another great viewpoint of the Annapurnas.
Today in this blog, we have prepared an overview of the Khopra Danda Trek, followed by an itinerary which can be modified as per the trekker's need.
Highlights of the Khopra Danda Trek
- Enjoy the stunning sunrise over the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri
- Staying at a teahouse with one of the best panoramic views in Nepal
- Descend to Tatopani through pastoral villages
- Hike to Holy Khayer Lake at the base of South Annapurna
Plan your Trek to Khopra Danda
This trek is a brilliant choice if you're looking for the ultimate week-long trek, a bit off-the-beaten-path and with spectacular views. It blends the best of just what Nepal has to deliver: incredible views of mountains, agricultural villages, and piled rice fields on top of one another, descending into the valley.
Caption: Khopra: A Hidden Gem
The most significant thing is that very few individuals are conscious of it. The road follows a local path that takes you north of Ghorepani into the valley, before climbing up another mountain, known as "Khopra Ridge."
One of the best short treks in Nepal, undeniably. Consider camping well above Khopra for one night to make this trip even more exciting.
Please get in contact with one of our local experts in Nepal to plan your trek to Khopra Danda, who can get it organized for you. You'll have an accomplished licensed driver; an itinerary well thought out, and the immense freedom to travel around at your own speed throughout the trek.
Itinerary of the Khopra Danda Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport (1,400 m)
Day 02: Fly to Pokhara (1,400 m) and then trek to Tikhedhunga (1,488 m) (two hours)
Day 03: Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,488 m) (two hours)
Day 04: Trek from Tokhdhunag (1,488 m) to Ghorepani (2,875 m) (four-five hours)
Day 05: Trek from Ghorepani (2,875 m) to Upper Chistibung (3,000 m) (five-six hours)
Day 06: Trek from Upper Chistibung (3,640 m) to Khopra Danda (3,640 m) (three hours)
Day 07: Rest day in Khopra Danda (3,640 m), followed by a day trip to Khayer Lake (4,660 m) (seven-eight hours)
Day 08: Trek from Khopra Danda (3,640 m) to Tatopani (1,250 m)(four-five hours)
Day 09: Drive from Tatopani (1,250 m) to Pokhara (1,400 m) (four hours in a private vehicle)
Day 10: Fly in the morning from Pokhara (1,400 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Day 11: Departure
Route Description
The route follows the very same path to Ghorepani and then lowers down the valley before jumping back up to a ridge north of Poon Hill (Khopra Danda).
Caption: Khopra Trek: Adventure Awaits You.
If you want to divide your trip into two days and stay at a teahouse in the village of Swanta, it takes about a day. You'll find a single teahouse owned by a caretaker atop the hill that rises every day from the villages below.
When the valley is filled with clouds underneath us with Dhaulagiri towering straight overhead, the views were superb, both at sunset and sunrise. Local yak herds are carried over overnight in the evenings and graze on the slopes just below us.
It takes a day to reach Tatopani from Khopra Danda, where you can catch a bus back to Pokhara (you'll have to change on the way to a nearby town).
You'll pass through communities and terraces as you descend back down into the valley and can rest for lunch or even spend an extra night in one of the village teahouses. You'll find a built-up hot spring open to the public at Tatopani.
Quick Facts about the Khopra Danda Trek
Duration: 5-7 Days
Maximum Elevation: 3,640m (Khopra ridge)/4,660m (Kayer Lake)
Start/Finish: Tikhedhunga (1,480 m)/Tatopani (1,190 m)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trekking Style: Teahouse